Line position optimization method for mountain roads based on slope stability and earthwork balance

ABSTRACT As the awareness of environmental protection and safety becomes increasingly important in route design, it is crucial to emphasize line position optimization of mountain roads in sloped sections. In this study, we devised a combined optimization factor (F), which includes the displacement mutation factor (F 1 ), two types of energy mutation factors (F 2 and F 3 ), and the regional earthwork balance factor (F 4 ), to measure the optimization options. We then applied this combined factor to a rural road in Gansu Province, China, to calculate and compare the different line position optimization results according to numerical calculation models. This method allowed the selection of a better optimization option (b = 2.5 m) as the final result. From a short-term perspective, the proposed method can ensure the slope stability and balance earthwork quantities in mountain road sections, as well as promote environmental protection. In addition, this method can provide an optimization concept for long-term application to engineering practices.